Thousands of travelers across the United States 🇺🇸 faced sudden delays and confusion on Sunday night, July 20, 2025, when Alaska Airlines experienced a major system-wide IT outage. The airline grounded all its mainline and Horizon Air flights for about three hours, causing widespread disruption. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the ground stop, which lasted from 8 p.m. to just after 11 p.m. Pacific Time, as Alaska Airlines worked to resolve the issue and resume normal operations.
Alaska Airlines’ system-wide IT outage is the latest in a series of technology problems that have hit the airline industry, raising new questions about the safety and reliability of air travel in a world that depends more and more on complex computer systems. For travelers, airline workers, and the broader aviation community, the incident highlights the real-world impact of IT failures and the urgent need for stronger safeguards.
What Happened: Timeline of the Outage
The trouble started around 8 p.m. Pacific Time, when Alaska Airlines’ computer systems suffered a major failure. The airline quickly requested a ground stop from the Federal Aviation Administration, which means all of its planes—over 200 mainline jets and those operated by its Horizon Air subsidiary—were ordered to stay on the ground. This decision affected flights at airports across the United States 🇺🇸, stranding thousands of passengers and creating a ripple effect of delays and cancellations.
The FAA’s official status page confirmed the grounding, and Alaska Airlines posted updates on its website and X (formerly Twitter) account. At 11:02 p.m. Pacific Time, after about three hours, Alaska Airlines announced that the ground stop had been lifted and flights could start moving again. However, the airline warned that it would take time to get planes and crews back in place, and that travelers should expect ongoing delays.
In a statement, Alaska Airlines said: “As of 11 p.m. Pacific, the ground stop has been lifted, and our operations have resumed. As we reposition our aircraft and crews, there will most likely be residual impacts to our flights. It will take some time to get our overall operations back to normal. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage guests to check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport.”
Immediate Impact on Travelers
The system-wide IT outage left many travelers stranded at airports, unsure when or if their flights would depart. Some passengers reported waiting for hours with little information, while others scrambled to rebook flights or find hotel rooms for the night. Alaska Airlines’ website displayed a message acknowledging the ongoing IT problems and apologizing for the inconvenience.
For families, business travelers, and those with connecting flights, the disruption created real stress and uncertainty. Many people missed important events, lost money on non-refundable bookings, or faced extra costs for meals and lodging. The airline’s customer service lines and social media channels were flooded with requests for help and updates.
Alaska Airlines urged all passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to monitor official communications for the latest information. The airline’s X account (@AlaskaAirNews) and website provided real-time updates as the situation developed.
Possible Cybersecurity Concerns
The timing of the Alaska Airlines outage raised concerns about a possible cyberattack. On the same day, Microsoft issued an alert about active cyberattacks targeting its on-premises SharePoint server software, which is widely used by businesses and government agencies. Microsoft described the threat as a “zero-day” exploit, meaning hackers could take advantage of a previously unknown weakness to break into systems, pretend to be someone else, and change important data.
While there is no confirmed direct link between the Alaska Airlines outage and the Microsoft SharePoint vulnerability, the overlap in timing made some experts and travelers nervous. Microsoft urged all organizations using the affected software to apply security updates right away or disconnect their servers from the internet to prevent attacks.
Alaska Airlines has not said whether its own systems were affected by the SharePoint exploit. The airline is expected to conduct a full investigation to find out what caused the outage and whether any outside actors were involved.
A Pattern of IT Problems
This is not the first time Alaska Airlines has faced major technology troubles. In April 2024, the airline grounded its entire fleet after a separate IT issue affected the system that calculates aircraft weight and balance—a critical safety step before takeoff. That incident caused widespread delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of travelers.
Just a few months later, in September 2024, another IT problem hit Alaska Airlines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This time, customers could not check in using the airline’s app or website, leading to long lines and confusion at the airport.
These repeated problems show how much airlines depend on their computer systems—and how disruptive it can be when those systems fail. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the growing number of IT outages in the airline industry points to the need for stronger cybersecurity, better backup plans, and more investment in reliable technology.
Why IT Outages Matter for Immigration and International Travel
For immigrants, international students, and people traveling for work or family reasons, airline reliability is more than just a convenience—it can shape their lives in big ways. Missed flights can mean missed visa appointments, lost job opportunities, or delays in reuniting with loved ones. When airlines like Alaska Airlines suffer a system-wide IT outage, the effects ripple far beyond the airport.
- Visa Appointments: Many U.S. embassies and consulates require travelers to appear in person for visa interviews. Missing a flight due to an airline IT problem can mean missing a hard-to-get appointment, which may delay or even derail immigration plans.
- Work and Study Deadlines: International workers and students often face strict start dates for jobs or classes. Delays caused by flight cancellations can lead to missed deadlines, lost scholarships, or problems with employers.
- Family Reunification: For families separated by borders, every missed flight can mean more time apart. Airline disruptions add stress and uncertainty to an already difficult process.
Because of these risks, travelers with important immigration or international plans should always check their flight status, allow extra time for connections, and have backup plans in case of delays.
How the Federal Aviation Administration Responded
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plays a key role in keeping air travel safe and orderly. When Alaska Airlines reported its system-wide IT outage, the FAA quickly issued a ground stop, halting all Alaska and Horizon Air flights across the United States 🇺🇸. This action prevented planes from taking off or landing until the airline could confirm its systems were working safely again.
The FAA’s decision to ground flights is not taken lightly. It reflects the seriousness of IT failures in modern aviation, where even a small glitch can have big safety consequences. The agency continued to monitor the situation and worked with Alaska Airlines to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
Travelers and industry experts can find more information about FAA rules and real-time flight status updates on the FAA’s official website.
Industry Analysis: Growing Risks and the Need for Change
The Alaska Airlines system-wide IT outage is part of a larger trend affecting airlines around the world. As carriers rely more on digital systems for everything from flight planning to customer service, the risk of technology failures and cyberattacks grows.
Industry experts warn that airlines must invest more in cybersecurity, regular software updates, and backup systems to protect against both accidental failures and deliberate attacks. The proximity of the Alaska Airlines outage to Microsoft’s zero-day exploit warning shows how quickly a new threat can emerge.
“Airlines are now as much technology companies as they are transportation providers,” said one industry analyst. “When their systems go down, the impact is immediate and widespread. It’s not just about lost revenue—it’s about passenger safety, trust, and the smooth functioning of the entire travel system.”
What Alaska Airlines Is Doing Now
After lifting the ground stop, Alaska Airlines began the slow process of getting its planes and crews back in place. This process, known as “repositioning,” can take hours or even days, depending on how many flights and staff are affected. The airline warned that residual delays and cancellations would continue as it worked to restore normal service.
Alaska Airlines has apologized to customers and promised to keep them updated through its website and social media channels. The airline is also expected to launch a full investigation into the cause of the outage and to consider new safeguards to prevent future incidents.
Travelers who were affected by the outage can contact Alaska Airlines customer service for help with rebooking, refunds, or other support. The airline’s official website provides the latest information on flight status and customer service options.
What Travelers Should Do Next
If you have a flight booked with Alaska Airlines in the coming days, here are some practical steps to take:
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport. Use the Alaska Airlines website or app for the most up-to-date information.
- Monitor official communications from Alaska Airlines, including their X (Twitter) account (@AlaskaAirNews), for real-time updates.
- Allow extra time for check-in and security, as airports may still be dealing with backlogs from the outage.
- Have a backup plan in case your flight is delayed or canceled. This could include knowing your rights to rebooking or refunds, or having alternate travel options.
- Contact customer service if you need help. Alaska Airlines’ customer support team can assist with rebooking, refunds, and other issues caused by the outage.
For travelers with urgent immigration or international travel needs, it’s especially important to stay informed and flexible. Missing a flight due to an IT outage can have serious consequences, so take extra precautions when planning your trip.
Looking Ahead: Will There Be More Disruptions?
Alaska Airlines has promised to investigate the root cause of the system-wide IT outage and to make changes as needed. However, the airline industry as a whole faces ongoing risks from both technical failures and cyber threats.
Regulators like the FAA may increase scrutiny of airline IT systems and push for new rules to improve reliability and security. Airlines may need to invest more in technology, staff training, and emergency planning to prevent future incidents.
For now, travelers should expect possible ongoing disruptions as Alaska Airlines works to restore full operations. The airline has not confirmed whether the outage was caused by a cyberattack, but the investigation is ongoing.
Key Takeaways for the Immigration Community
- Stay informed: Always check your flight status and monitor official updates, especially if you have important immigration or international travel plans.
- Plan ahead: Allow extra time for connections and have backup plans in case of delays or cancellations.
- Know your rights: If your flight is canceled or delayed, you may be entitled to rebooking, refunds, or other support from the airline.
- Contact authorities: For urgent immigration matters, contact the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office if you miss an appointment due to airline disruptions.
Where to Find Official Information
- Alaska Airlines Official Website: For flight status, updates, and customer service.
- Alaska Airlines X (Twitter) Account: @AlaskaAirNews for real-time announcements.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): FAA official website for regulatory updates and advisories.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Airlines and Travelers
The Alaska Airlines system-wide IT outage on July 20, 2025, is a reminder of how much modern air travel depends on technology—and how quickly things can go wrong when those systems fail. For travelers, especially those with immigration or international plans, the incident highlights the need for careful planning, flexibility, and staying informed.
As airlines and regulators work to strengthen IT systems and prevent future outages, passengers can take steps to protect themselves by checking flight status, knowing their rights, and having backup plans. The aviation industry’s growing reliance on technology means that everyone—from airlines to travelers—must be ready for both the benefits and the risks that come with it.
Learn Today
System-wide IT outage → A failure affecting all airline computer systems, grounding flights and disrupting operations.
Ground stop → FAA order halting all aircraft departures from an airline due to safety or technical issues.
Zero-day exploit → A cybersecurity vulnerability unknown to software makers, allowing hackers to attack before fixes exist.
Repositioning → The process of moving aircraft and crew to restore normal flight schedules after disruptions.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → US government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation safety.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 20, 2025, Alaska Airlines suffered a major system-wide IT outage causing a three-hour grounding of flights, disrupting thousands. The FAA swiftly responded with a ground stop, highlighting vulnerabilities in airline technology and raising concerns about cybersecurity and the critical impact on international travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com
